Scroll down to learn more about these opportunities. Meanwhile, for those who would like to reflect on Advent, keep reading this message . . .The season of Advent is a favorite season of mine – the music, candles, and stories which invite us to take the time to reflect on Immanuel, God-with-us, in Jesus. Last Sunday in her message, Mallory invited us to remember that Mary and Joseph were on a journey that led to the birth of Jesus and beyond – and that we too are on a journey in Advent. One part of this journey for Mary is what is known as the The Visitation (Luke 1:39-45). After Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she will have a child, she visits her cousin Elizabeth – who is too old to have children and yet is pregnant with a child who will grow up to be John the Baptist (and baptize Jesus 30 years later)! When Elizabeth opens her door to greet Mary, the baby John leaps in her womb (quickens) and his mother knows he is alive. The dictionary defines quickening as “to show life; come or return to life; to make alive”. This story has been called “a collision of joys” and invites us to reflect on the quickening of the Christ Life within each of us as well — as how our encounters with one another can be life giving ‘collisions of joy’!

During Advent, The Liturgists Podcast is sharing a new video each week featuring art around the passages. This week the art is based on the story of The Visitation and invite you to view it here, as well as view the artist’s narrative here. As we join Mary and Joseph on this journey toward Christmas this year, amidst all that is wrong with the world, I share with you Sister Joyce Rupp’s prayer (adapted):

(Immanuel), God-With-Us,
Your Word still leaps into our lives
Just as unexpectantly, just as profoundlyIt is the leaping and dancing of a Love That cannot be contained.

Your word continues to move in weary spirits,
Lifting up the discouraged places
And filling the heart’s void with consolation.
Your Word sets sparks in the darkness
And leads souls to see the vision of deeper things

Remind us again this Christmas Of how alive you are within us and among us,
How you continue to birth in us in surprising ways.Leap once more into our midstAnd fire our hearts so fully that we run with youTo those who await our hope and compassion.
Amen

Blessings,
Karla

Crossing Calendar

Check our calendaror our Facebook page. Some of our activities (Bible Studies, service outings . . . ) are still being scheduled, so watch for more information in this message, on Facebook, on our website, or at Sunday Vespers.

Do you use social media? Follow us!
The Crossing is on Facebook
On Twitter, follow us @thecrossing_uw and use #thecrossingmadison to post!

FREE Food Recovery Dinner
Tuesday Dec. 12, 5-6 pm
Yes, it’s FREE dorm food! Stop by and enjoy a delicious meal served by students of The Crossing and provided by the UW Food Recovery Network Student Org!! The Food Recovery Network at UW-Madison is an organization of student volunteers who work to increase food sustainability and equity by recovering surplus foods from UW dining halls and delivering it to organizations in need.

All You Can Eat Homemade Pancakes for $3 on Study Day!
Thursday Dec. 14, 11 am – 1 pmFinal Exams stressing you out?!?! Stop by The Crossing for some Study Day stress relief. We’ll have homemade plain, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, gluten free and vegan pancakes, fruit and bagels.

Apply for Spring Break Quest Badlands Student Leader position
If you have gone on a Quest trip in the past and would like to pursue a leadership opportunity with Quest, consider applying for the Quest Badlands Student Leader position. Contact our Quest Coordinator Karli. Applications are due at the end of November.

Community Shout Outs . . .

UW Caroling Club
We’re caroling at Select Specialty Hospital (801 Braxton Pl) at 3 PM on Friday, Dec 15. We also hope to schedule a performance at Artisan Senior Living in Middleton – date to be announced. For more information, contact Cassidy.

The Sojourners Internship Program is a spiritual formation program that embodies Sojourners’ commitment to Christian discipleship, community, and vocation. Currently in its 34th year, the yearlong program combines full-time jobs in our office with an opportunity to live in an intentional Christian community. Between 9 and 10 interns are selected into the program each year. The deadline to apply for the 2018-2019 cohort is February 15, 2018.Bulletin Board Check our website bulletin board for additional opportunities